Hukou Pass, Bing Province.
This pass, renowned alongside Shangdang Pass and Shixing Pass as one of the three inner passes of this era, was now battered by a whistling gale!
Outside the pass, an army of fifty thousand men galloped forth.
Leading them was a general in red robes and on a red steed, emerging first from the mountain range. Wielding a Fangtian Hua Ji, he exuded a formidable aura of killing intent.
It wasn't Lu Bu…
No, he should be called General Ying.
If not General Ying, who else could it be?
In stark contrast to this army of fifty thousand, the soldiers arrayed atop Hukou Pass were a formidable sight. The towering and majestic Hukou Pass was currently manned by hundreds of thousands of troops.
Twenty thousand soldiers were stationed on the battlements, bows drawn and arrows nocked, seemingly ready to deliver a fierce response to the approaching enemy.
These were Yuan's forces, led by Han Meng, the sixth most formidable general in the northern territories after Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Zhang He, Gao Lan, and Qu Yi…
Bing Province had already fallen. Following Yuan Shang's orders, Han Meng was to hold Hukou Pass with his hundred thousand troops, preventing the western gate from being breached and the creation of a second battlefield for Cao's army.
This was the greatest concession made by the Yuan camp, concentrating their forces to defend this single point!
Hoo…
At this moment, Lu Bu raised his Fangtian Hua Ji, and the army halted.
He looked up at the pass, his voice ringing out.
"Is this Hukou Pass? It's no less imposing than Yanmen Pass!"
Standing beneath the pass, Lu Bu's eyes were cold. Hukou Pass, like Yanmen Pass, was tall, majestic, and possessed a formidable presence. The saying "one man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot get through" likely referred to places like this.
"General Ying? This pass doesn't look easy to attack!"
Beside Lu Bu stood Yang Xiu.
Gazing at the pass, which stood several zhang higher than the city walls of Xudu, Yang Xiu's heart was filled with trepidation.
Of course, Lu Bu's desire to achieve merit and to break through from Bing Province to the west, opening a second battlefield to atone for his daughter's sake, was something Yang Xiu understood…
But understanding was one thing; being able to capture it was another.
"Scared?"
Lu Bu looked back at Yang Xiu.
Yang Xiu spread his hands. "It's not me fighting, why would I be scared?"
As the words left his mouth, Lu Bu turned his gaze to Lü Lingqi on the other side. "Dare you fight?"
"It's merely a pass, what is there to not dare?"
Lü Lingqi bit her lip. She had dreamed of fighting alongside her father since childhood. Today, her wish was granted, and how could her heart not be filled with excitement?
Hahaha…
Lu Bu smiled faintly, his expression seeming to convey an unspoken message: "A tiger begets a tiger, not a dog!"
"The army will rest. We attack the pass tomorrow!"
Lu Bu stated calmly…
This…
Yang Xiu's eyes darted about as he quickly interjected.
"General Ying, you seem to be more adept at field battles than assaults on fortified positions!"
"Heh heh…" Lu Bu sneered. "I am more adept at field battles? Since when do I know that?"
With that, he no longer spoke, but instead led his men to set up camp…
Lü Lingqi did not forget to glare at Yang Xiu.
With a parting remark of "Coward," she too rode off to follow her father.
Yang Xiu scratched his head, suddenly feeling like he had been dealt a bad hand. He felt that Hukou Pass simply could not be taken!
Just then…
"Young Master Yang…" A Dragon Cavalier handed a piece of white paper to Yang Xiu. "General Ying asked me to give this to you, saying it's a special strategem."
Hmm… a strategem?
Yang Xiu slowly unfolded the large white paper, instinctively assuming it was from Chief Minister Lu.
But the handwriting didn't quite match, carrying a hint of the "Feibai" script. This calligraphy style seemed akin to that old man Zhong Yao's.
Before he could fully react…
Yang Xiu's eyes were captivated by the content on the white paper.
"Good heavens…"
Yang Xiu exclaimed in disbelief, looking at Lu Bu and Lü Lingqi as they rode away. "So… the last to know this crucial intelligence is me, Yang Xiu?"
"Heh… why did Master send this old fellow over?"
Speaking of which…
Wait.
Yang Xiu noticed a very, very crucial piece of information on the white paper.
"Liyang… Liyang City is about to… be taken? The day of Master's wedding is also the day Liyang City falls!"
Yang Xiu's eyes widened.
He felt a bit dizzy, his vision blurring slightly…
Of course, the current situation was one where a single move could affect the entire board.
Liyang City was Cao Cao's first battlefield for his northward advance from Yanzhou;
And their Hukou Pass was the second battlefield for Bing Province's westward push. These two battlefields were independent yet intertwined. If Liyang City were to fall, then… then Hukou Pass would certainly… would certainly…
With a gulp, Yang Xiu swallowed hard.
After reading this letter, he suddenly felt that Hukou Pass might indeed be captured!
…
…
The wedding was fast approaching.
From the talented scholars of Yingchuan, the meritorious officials of Qiao and Pei, and countless civil and military officials… an endless stream of congratulatory gifts piled up at the White Horse Marquis's estate.
Familiar and unfamiliar faces, people known and unknown, lined up to pay their respects to the White Horse Marquis. Cai Zhaoji was overwhelmed with busyness.
This was actually quite understandable.
For an ordinary court official.
The White Horse Marquis's wedding, by all rights, should have been an event with which they, being unrelated, had no connection whatsoever.
Naturally, they wouldn't need to send gifts.
But the key issue was, if everyone else sent gifts, would you not send one?
Don't forget, Lu Ziyu was not just a Marquis; he was also the Censor-in-Chief, in charge of the School of Investigation, and oversaw all officials… If others sent gifts, and you didn't? Wouldn't that be showing disrespect to the Censor-in-Chief?
Who would he investigate in the future if not you?
And who among these officials didn't have some unsavory business hidden away?
Coincidentally, this thought was not held by one person, but by almost everyone. Thus, one after another, they all had to send congratulatory gifts…
It had suddenly become a competition.
Of course… Lu Yu was unaware of all this. He had never even seen the names on many of the gift lists, and the gifts themselves were outrageously expensive.
This made Lu Yu suspect that some officials had questionable lifestyles and that the School of Investigation should be sent to investigate.
However, there was no immediate rush.
The Marquis's wedding was tomorrow… According to Lu Yu's plan, tonight he would take the brothers of the Dragon Cavalier Battalion, book all the brothels and entertainment houses in Xudu, and invite all the ladies who sold their talents in the city.
No matter what, for his wedding, Lu Yu had to give his brothers some benefits, right?
However…
Before his joyous bachelor night could even begin, Lu Yu received unwelcome news: Old Cao had invited Lu Yu to the Prime Minister's estate for a meeting.
A meeting…
A meeting of his grandmother!
What meeting?
Lu Yu was dumbfounded. He felt that Old Cao truly knew how to pick his timing. His planned bachelor night was completely ruined.
…
…
Xudu City, Prime Minister's Estate.
Elegant incense filled the study, a light rain drifted outside, and several bamboo slips lay piled on the desk. Cao Cao, Cao Ang, Cao Pi, Cao Zhang, Cao Zhi, and Cao Chong were all present.
Cao Zhi had specifically rushed back from Xuzhou to attend Chief Minister Lu's wedding.
As for Cao Chong, despite his young age, his large eyes blinked expectantly, eager to meet his future master.
And Cao Pi, he seemed to have something on his mind.
Indeed, ever since his father had mentioned the change in the heir apparent, and he learned that Cao Ang was out of the running, his heart had begun to stir.
He had been contemplating how to approach Lu Yu, or rather… how to win Lu Yu over.
Cao Ang, on the other hand, was the most composed, frequently glancing back towards the door as if waiting for his master, Lu Yu!
During this interval, Cao Cao seized the opportunity to pose questions to his sons.
"Lord Lu's estate has two wives? This is an unprecedented event in history. What do you all think…"
Uh… what could they think?
Cao Zhang was the first to scratch his head. "Father, my son does not understand your words. My son believes that as long as one is not lying down while looking, whether standing, sitting, or gazing upwards, it is acceptable to look however one pleases!"
Uh…
Cao Zhang's words caused Cao Cao to pause for a moment, then he burst into laughter.
Cao Zhang was called "Yellow-Browed Son" by Cao Cao. He had loved martial arts from a young age and had been in the army since he was very young, training alongside the soldiers.
In his view, as long as one's fists were strong enough and the soldiers were numerous enough, all fancy schemes and stratagems were futile!
He was also the son who had the least contact with strategists, scholars, and even Lu Yu. He was the only son who had not prepared a congratulatory gift for the Marquis's wedding.
"Ziyou? What do you think?" Cao Cao shifted the topic to Cao Ang.
This…
Cao Ang pondered for a moment, then shook his head.
"My son does not know either. He only feels that Chief Minister Lu alone is worthy of marrying Princess Wannian and Sister Juan. Perhaps only a person as outstanding as Chief Minister Lu in this world can receive the honor of 'an estate with two wives.' It makes us disciples quite envious."
Cao Cao remained noncommittal. He turned his back and faced Cao Pi.
"Zihuan? What do you think?"
"I…"
As the conversation turned to Cao Pi, Cao Pi seemed to recall something, but ultimately did not speak.
"What my elder brother said is what my son wishes to say!"
"Aren't you envious?" Cao Cao added.
Cao Pi shook his head. "A beautiful woman is sought by a gentleman. As Father said, Chief Minister Lu has achieved countless merits. An estate with two wives complements each other perfectly. My son, compared to him, is like a firefly compared to the bright sun. Even if I were envious, I would not be qualified!"
Hahahaha…
Cao Pi's answer elicited a faint smile from Cao Cao.
Having self-awareness is the best!
This is good for you, and good for Yu'er!
Just as he was about to ask Cao Zhi.
Unexpectedly, Cao Chong spoke first.
"Father, my son wishes to speak."
"Chong'er wishes to speak, then speak." Upon hearing Cao Chong's words, Cao Cao crouched down, full of curiosity.
Cao Chong declared loudly, "My elder brothers say that Chief Minister Lu deserves an estate with two wives and that they envy Chief Minister Lu. But my son believes this is wrong, very wrong!"
Hoo… very wrong!
Cao Chong's words were astonishing.
Even Cao Cao was startled.
"Explain where it is wrong," Cao Cao continued to ask.
Cao Chong's eyes fixed, and he continued, "My son is still young and doesn't understand much about romantic love. However, among the music and poems I've heard, none can compare to the beauty of the love story between 'Zhuo Wenjun' and 'Sima Xiangru'!"
"It is said, 'There is a beauty whom I cannot forget upon seeing her. If I don't see her for a day, I miss her as if driven mad.' Sima Xiangru and Zhuo Wenjun fell in love at first sight, and after some interaction, they secretly decided to marry, which is the beauty of love. Even if the world does not approve, they are fortunate to have each other."
"The Han Yuefu's 'Rao Ge' also states, 'Heaven help me! I wish to know you, and to be with you until my life's end. When mountains are leveled, and rivers run dry, when winter thunder rumbles, and summer snow falls, when heaven and earth merge, only then will I dare to part from you.'"
Although Cao Chong was young, when it came to love, he spoke with great conviction…
Of course, his so-called "love" was all from books.
He paused here.
"Clearly, Chief Minister Lu's 'estate with two wives' abandons the original 'I wish for a devoted heart and to grow old together.' It is a great sacrifice and a balance!"
"And Chief Minister Lu is willing to do this, sacrificing his own love, in exchange for reconciliation between Father and the Son of Heaven, between the Cao faction and the Han court. If this is the case, why should anyone envy him? Rather than envy, it should be admiration, admiration for Chief Minister Lu's dedication, admiration for Chief Minister Lu, who, despite holding a high position, respects Father's and the Son of Heaven's arrangements, and does not act on his own. Is this regret? How can it be envy?"
Whoa…
Cao Chong's speech was like a sudden enlightenment.
Good heavens, according to Cao Chong, Lu Ziyu marrying two people was a grievance, a source of感动, and a display of selfless dedication!
And yet, Cao Chong's words were quite reasonable!
Marrying two people at once was indeed a hardship for Lu Yu!
"Clap clap clap…"
At this moment, applause came from outside the door.
All the young lords turned to look outside, only to find that it was none other than Lu Yu!
Cao Cao also noticed him and immediately waved.
"Speaking of Yu, Yu arrives. Come…"
Cao Cao's demeanor was very enthusiastic…
To be frank, ever since Lu Yu returned to Xudu City, he had either been deploying forces for the northern expedition or preparing for his wedding. Strictly speaking, this was his first time meeting Cao Cao!
And Cao Cao actually had nothing particularly important to discuss with him, only that his son was getting married tomorrow and he wanted to see him the night before.
"Greetings, Prime Minister Cao…"
Lu Yu maintained his usual humility and saluted Cao Cao with a cupped fist.
Cao Ang, Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and Cao Chong bowed to Lu Yu.
"Greetings, Chief Minister Lu…"
Only Cao Zhang seemed out of place in this atmosphere.
"Did Yu applaud just now to commend Chong'er?" Cao Cao asked with a smile.
"Naturally." Lu Yu nodded. "It's just that I didn't expect that the one who understands me, Lu Yu, would be Young Master Chong. He truly lives up to being the most intelligent among Prime Minister Cao's sons!"
"I dare not…" Cao Chong quickly waved his hands. "Chong'er was just talking nonsense."
"How is it nonsense?" Lu Yu smiled slightly.
They were still discussing this topic, but Cao Cao changed the subject. Since Yu'er was here and all the young lords were present, he decided to discuss a more sensitive topic.
"An estate with two wives, whether it is Yu's merit or his loyalty, it is settled now, so let's not discuss it further. Coincidentally, all my sons are here. Yu, why don't you talk to them about the gentry!"
Cao Cao's suggestion was not a whim.
From his past conversations with Yu, Cao Cao could sense that Yu intended to make an issue of "gentry." Including his proposals for "Tanding Rumu" (levying taxes based on population, not land) and abolishing the head tax, these were all measures to weaken the "gentry!"
However, implementing them would be difficult.
At least, it did not seem like the right time, and even Cao Cao felt that within his generation, it might not be achievable.
But…
He, Cao Cao, did not have only one Yu. He also had Ang'er, Pi'er, Zhang'er, Zhi'er… and the most intelligent Chong'er.
Cao Cao's vision was for him to unify the realm, and the reforms after unification would be carried out by Yu and his brothers.
Thus…
This seemingly ordinary sentence held Cao Cao's boundless expectations for all his sons!
This…
When the gentry were mentioned.
All the young lords perked up their ears. Living in this era, they knew well…
This was an era where powerful clans monopolized the bureaucracy and land!
The rights of the gentry, especially the powerful aristocratic families, were incredibly vast.
Similarly, this topic was extremely sensitive…
Although they didn't know why their father chose to discuss it on the day before Chief Minister Lu's wedding, regardless… this topic greatly interested all the young lords.
Lu Yu's eyes narrowed. He didn't quite understand what Old Cao was up to.
However, the atmosphere had reached this point, so he might as well… talk about it. It could serve as a precautionary measure for the young lords!
Their greatest opponents were never the Yuan clan of the north, nor the Sun clan of the east, nor Liu Biao of Jing Province, nor Liu Zhang of Yizhou.
Compared to these rivals, the gentry were ten times, even a hundred times more harmful and influential!
And first…
Lu Yu posed a seemingly unrelated question.
"Young lords, do you know which gentry family has the greatest influence in the world today?"
"The Yuan clan of Runan?"
Cao Ang answered instinctively.
"Incorrect!"
"Then… the Yang clan of Hongnong? Or the Sima clan of Henei?" Cao Zhi added.
"Not so!" Lu Yu shook his head. "Indeed, the Yuan clan held the 'Four Generations, Three Dukes' title and, during the Yellow Turban Rebellion, protected the loyal scholars of the world, earning them the reputation of leaders of the people!"
"During Emperor Ling's reign, the Empress's relative He Jin served as Grand General, the leader of the warriors. Yuan Wei served as Grand Tutor, the leader of the scholars. The Yuan clan was indeed glorious in the past, but in terms of their current status, they are no longer the most influential gentry!"
"As for the Yang clan of Hongnong, even with five generations of three dukes, they have declined! The Sima clan of Hebei has disciples and former officials spread throughout the land, but… even they are inferior to the Yuan clan, and certainly cannot be the most influential gentry in the world today!"
"Then…" Cao Chong's eyes flickered, and he blurted out, "Is it the Xun clan of Yingchuan…"
"Precisely!" Lu Yu immediately nodded. "Then let me ask, why is it that within our Cao faction, under Prime Minister Cao, the Xun clan of Yingchuan can recommend so many talented individuals?"
This…
Cao Chong shook his head, unable to answer.
Lu Yu's gaze shifted to the other young lords.
One by one, they lowered their heads in silence, seemingly unfamiliar with this question.
Even Cao Cao… it seemed he didn't know the intricate reasons behind this, simply assuming it was Xun Yu's exceptional discernment!
Lu Yu smiled faintly and explained in detail:
"Because the gentry network in Yingchuan is extremely vast. Commander Xun is from Yingchuan, Zhong Yao is from Yingchuan, Chen Qun is from Yingchuan, Guo Jia is from Yingchuan, Xi Zhicai is from Yingchuan. Sima Yi is not from Yingchuan, but his grandfather was the Administrator of Yingchuan."
"Sixty years ago, Xun Shu, the grandfather of Commander Xun, Chen Shi, the grandfather of Chen Qun, Zhong Hao, the great-grandfather of Zhong Yao, and Han Shao, the ancestor of Han Fu, all four of them from Yingchuan served as County Magistrates of Yingchuan. They were collectively known as the 'Four Leaders of Yingchuan,' and from that time onwards, the Xun, Zhong, Chen, and Han families became the true gentry of Yingchuan!"
Lu Yu's talk had begun…
"Cough cough…"
He cleared his throat, preparing to speak in detail!
Regarding the gentry of Yingchuan, the water here was very deep, unfathomably deep.
Since Xun Yu and Xi Zhicai were not present today, Lu Yu might as well scoop out all this water, allowing Old Cao and the young lords to gain a glimpse and understand the whole picture…
From the influence and network of the Yingchuan gentry, they could discern that beneath the surface of the warlords' disputes in this Han dynasty, lay the immense power of countless gentry families!
…
…